Gold edged up on Thursday after China's growth data for the second quarter was slightly weaker than expected, helping revive the precious metal's allure as a hedge at a time of economic uncertainty. Spot gold was at $1,210.65 per ounce as of 0520 GMT, up 0.3 percent from late New York levels of $1,207.50. US gold futures for August delivery rose $4.20 or 0.3 percent to $1,211.20 per ounce. The contract fell $6.50 to $1,207 on Wednesday.